{"id":64061,"date":"2026-05-23T07:49:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T07:49:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/?p=64061"},"modified":"2026-05-23T07:49:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T07:49:28","slug":"baku-combination-of-history-and-modernization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistanintheworld.pk\/live\/baku-combination-of-history-and-modernization\/","title":{"rendered":"Baku: Combination of History and Modernization"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad<\/p>\n

\"\"Azerbaijan\u2019s historical cities showcase a rich blend of ancient Silk Road architecture, medieval Islamic heritage. Baku (The Capital) has historical footprint beautifully blends medieval Islamic architecture, Zoroastrian fire-worship traditions, and 19th-century oil-boom grandeur. After independence , the national leader Heydar Aliyev and incumbent President Ilham Aliyev transformed the city into one of the most modern capitals in the world.<\/p>\n

One can literally experience the time machine here by going into history and returning to the modern age in Baku because heritage has been properly preserved while a smart city with all latest facilities has also been developed by the visionary leaders of Azerbaijan.<\/p>\n

Historical Baku<\/strong><\/p>\n

Icherisheher (Old City) is historic core of Baku and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tourists can wander through its fortified walls to discover ancient narrow alleys, museums, and caravanserais. Maiden Tower (Q\u0131z Qalas\u0131) rising 28 meters,is iconic 12th-century stone tower dominates the Old City. Its exact purpose remains a mystery, though theories range from a Zoroastrian temple to an ancient defensive watchtower.<\/p>\n

Palace of the Shirvanshahs dating back to the 15th century. The majestic complex served as the residence of the ruling Shirvan dynasty. It encompasses a palace, mosque, mausoleum, and a courthouse. Ateshgah (Fire Temple) is located in the Surakhani suburb, this 17th-century castle-like temple was once a sacred worship site for Zoroastrians and Hindus who revered the natural burning gas vents. Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) is just a short drive from the city center, this 10-meter-wide wall of fire has been blazing continuously for centuries due to natural gas seepage.<\/p>\n

The Multani Caravanserai (Multan Sarai) is a historic 14th\u201315th century monument located in the heart of the Old City (Icherisheher) in Baku. It was constructed to serve as a resting place and trading post for merchants and pilgrims from Multan (now in Pakistan), who frequently visited the region to visit the Ateshgah Temple of fire worshippers in the Absheron Peninsula.<\/p>\n

Baku Boulevard (Seaside Park) was stablished in 1909, this promenade traces the Caspian Sea and offers a fantastic vantage point to see historical architecture blending with modern structures like the Flame Towers.<\/p>\n

Ismailiyya Palace is located on Istiglaliyyat Street, this stunning Venetian Gothic building was constructed in 1913 by an oil baron and now serves as the presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. Taza Pir Mosque is prominent early-20th-century mosque with distinctive twin minarets, built by a local Azerbaijani philanthropist and completed in 1914.<\/p>\n

World Urban Forum WUF13 Baku on Adequate Housing – by Tazeen Akhtar, Islamabad<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n